COLONOSCOPY
What is the medical procedure referred to as a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a widely performed medical procedure that involves the use of a lighted, flexible instrument called a colonoscope to examine the large bowel lining. The procedure is performed to check for the presence of polyps, unusual growths, cancer or disease of the bowel.
A colonoscope is a long slender surgical instrument with a light and camera connected at the end to capture and transmit images of the large bowel to a monitor in the doctor’s operating room. Fortunately, the colonoscope bends easily, which makes it easier to navigate through the curves of the colon.
How do you carry out a colonoscopy?
The procedure begins from the anal region and eventually progresses to the right part of the bowel, also known as the ascending colon. The patient lies on their side or back while the colonoscope moves through the large bowel. The scope is guided through the large bowel to investigate the bowel lining.
How long is a colonoscopy expected to take?
The procedure lasts two or three hours, which includes the waiting time, preparation beforehand and recovery. The expected time that a colonoscopy takes can be anywhere between fifteen minutes to an hour.
How do you prepare for a colonoscopy?
The specialist endoscopist provides preoperative instructions to keep the colon clean and empty in order to examine the bowel lining thoroughly. In addition, the specialist endoscopist will advise that the patient discontinues iron tablets a week before the procedure. Before the scheduled colonoscopy, a nurse will provide dietary instructions in order to prepare for a thorough examination. Furthermore, a bowel cleansing routine is critical to ensure the bowels are empty of all contents. Preparation for the procedure involves drinking cleansing fluids or oral laxatives, which is why it’s important to stay close to the toilet when taking these concoctions.
What happens if you find something wrong?
During a colonoscopy, the specialist endoscopist typically retrieves a tissue sample, usually a portion of the bowel lining. Then, the tissue sample is sent to the laboratory for a detailed analysis. Usually, a biopsy is carried out to identify numerous health conditions, even if cancer is not present.
What do you do if you find colon polyps?
Colon polyps are growths of flesh that appear on the bowel lining. These polyps are not labelled cancerous-however over time; colon polyps can begin to turn cancerous. As a result, the specialist endoscopist will have to remove colon polyps at the time of a colonoscopy by means of a loop wire or electric current to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
The patient remains in the recovery area for two hours after the colonoscopy in order for sedation to wear off. Usually, the patient can resume eating and drinking directly after the procedure, depending on the specialist endoscopist's advice. Cramping and bloating are to be expected due to the inflated air at the time of the procedure. However, the discomfort should subside over time, especially when moving around, because this helps release more air.
FAQ
- Undetected polyps/abnormal growths
- Mild abdominal pain for 1-5 days after the colonoscopy
- Vomiting/nausea
- Lethargy, especially when moving around
- Headaches
- Pain, inflammation or bruising at the injection site for sedation.
- Allergic reaction to the medications provided.
For your own safety, you mustn't drive on the day of the gastroscopy but instead arrange for someone else to drive you home.
In addition, refrain from doing the following:
- Operating heavy machinery or cooking appliances
- Refrain from signing important documents or making decisions
- Avoid smoking, drinking and using any other toxic substances.
- Do not stay alone the night after the procedure.
- Prolonged abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding from the anal region
- High fever
- Throat or chest pain
- Inflammation, redness and discomfort at the injection site